EP2205457A1

EP2205457A1 - Method and system for influencing the movement of a motor vehicle body, the chain of movements of which can be controlled or adjusted, and associated vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP2205457A1
Application number: EP08841892A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrea Arenz
Original assignee: Volkswagen AG
Current assignee: Volkswagen AG
Priority date: 2007-10-26
Filing date: 2008-10-23
Publication date: 2010-07-14
Anticipated expiration: 2028-10-23
Also published as: ES2637919T3; US8666596B2; KR101409943B1; WO2009053080A1; DE102007051226A1; EP2205457B1; KR20100071974A; US20110035103A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a system for generating signals for influencing the movement of the body of a vehicle, the chain of movements of which can be controlled or adjusted. According to the invention, the movement of the vehicle body is determined by sensors in relation to at least three wheels of the motor vehicle and the vertical acceleration of the vehicle body, the sensor signals that correspond to the determined sensor values are fed to a shock absorber controller and said controller delivers at least one control signal to control actuators, in particular semi-active or active shock absorbers which are used to influence the movement of the vehicle body. Said control signal for controlling the actuators is determined by the shock absorber controller from the sensor signals, with the aid of condition-dependent adjustment algorithms, taking into consideration current and/or expected conditions in conjunction with selectable requirements for the movement of the vehicle body and driving safety requirements.

Description

description

Method and system for influencing the movement of a controllable in his movements vehicle structure of a motor vehicle and vehicle

The invention relates to a method for generating signals for influencing the movement of a vehicle body of a motor vehicle which can be controlled or regulated in its motion sequences, the movement of the vehicle body being sensed, the sensor signals corresponding to the determined sensor values being fed to a damper controller, the damper controller at least one control signal for Actuation of actuators, in particular semi-active or active dampers, provides, by means of which the movement of the vehicle body can be influenced. The invention further relates to a system for carrying out the method and a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with a system for influencing the movement of a vehicle body which can be controlled or regulated in its movement sequences.

Methods and systems of the generic type are known. Thus, for example, from DE 39 18 735 A1 discloses a method and a device for damping movement sequences on chassis of passenger and commercial vehicles known in which from a sensorially detected movement of two vehicle masses by means of a signal processing circuit, a control signal for a controllable, acting on the vehicle masses actuator is formed. For a comfortable yet safe suspension tuning is provided to direct the sensor-detected signals via a signal processing circuit belonging circuit arrangement with frequency-dependent transmission behavior. This is intended to ensure that, due to the frequency-dependent processing of the sensor signals, no static characteristic is used for the actuator control or actuator control, but an actuator control or actuator control dependent on the frequency content of the movement sequence takes place. In this way, the aim of the highest possible driving comfort is to be achieved with a safe in border regions of the driving condition design of the chassis. This approach is based on the idea that the conflict of objectives between the desired ride comfort, ie comfortable and soft design, and driving dynamics, ie sporty and tight coordination, on the one hand and sufficient driving safety on the other hand should be met. For ride comfort and driving dynamics damping of the movement of the body is critical, while for a driving safety a wheel load or wheel load fluctuation is crucial. Essentially three damper systems for vehicles are known, wherein a spring arrangement between the wheel and the structure of an actuator is connected in parallel. Passive, semi-active and active damper systems are known. In passive damper systems, a change in the damper force during driving is not provided. In semi-active damper systems, the damper force can be altered by changing an oil fluid flow using one or more valves. In this way, the damping properties can be changed. Semi-active damper systems work purely energy-absorbing. With active damper systems, a desired damper force can be provided both dampening and energizing in each direction.

In the known methods and systems for influencing the movement of the chassis is disadvantageous that a force is requested as the output variable from the regulator modules used. This has the disadvantage that in addition a damper speed is required as an additional variable to get over a map conversion to the actual manipulated variable, the control current. Moreover, even with a constant force demand, the current can change depending on the damper speed. Since a map conversion is faulty, the resulting damper force is discontinued accordingly. Especially in the range of low damping velocities, which are especially common in transverse dynamic processes, this is disadvantageous because here the greatest nonlinearities and inaccuracies are present in the characteristic field. In addition, it is known that in the speed zero crossing in the map of the damper is usually softened. Especially at damper speeds that oscillate around zero is then placed at a constant power demand, a constantly oscillating stream, which is counterproductive for the actual regulation.

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method and a system of the generic type, by means of which in a simple and secure way, a regulation of the movement of a vehicle body with electronically controllable actuators (dampers) with simultaneous solution of the conflict between driving comfort, driving dynamics and driving safety possible is.

According to the invention this object is achieved by a method having the features mentioned in claim 1. Characterized in that by means of the damper controller from the sensor signals taking into account instantaneous and / or expected states, depending on selectable demands on the movement of the vehicle body and driving safety requirements, by means of state-dependent control algorithms, the at least one control signal for Control of the actuators is determined is advantageously possible to resolve the conflict between ride comfort and driving dynamics on the one hand and driving safety on the other hand by the special involvement of the state-dependent control algorithms largely. By taking into account the instantaneous and / or expected states in the provision of the control signals for the actuators, that is, in the adjustment of the damping of the movement of the vehicle body, in addition to the comfort requirements of a driver and the dynamic driving conditions of the vehicle in particular taking into account safety-critical conditions Taken into account.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that is provided as the at least one control signal directly influencing the actuators control current. This eliminates the one hand, the requirement of providing a damper speed as additional size and on the other hand, the known from the prior art map conversion to the actual manipulated variable is no longer necessary.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that can be selected as a selectable requirement for the movement of the vehicle body at least between comfort and sportiness, in particular the choice is infinitely and / or in stages between high comfort and high sportiness. As a result, an adaptation of the influence of the movement of the vehicle body on the individual needs of a driver is possible in a simple manner.

In addition, it is provided in a preferred embodiment of the invention that when determining the at least one control signal as current and / or expected states driving conditions and / or loading conditions and / or energy conditions and / or driver activities are taken into account. In this way, the vertical dynamics and / or the longitudinal dynamics and / or the lateral dynamics of the vehicle can be considered very advantageously as driving states. In addition, the energy states of the structure and / or the wheels and / or the road and / or the actuator can be considered very advantageous as energy states. Furthermore, the operating state of the accelerator pedal and / or the brake pedal and / or the steering and / or the transmission circuit can advantageously be taken into account as driver activities. A control signal determined from these possible states individually or in any combination leads to a very comfortable adaptation of the movement of the vehicle body to the requirements actually set by the driver. Overall, therefore, a very harmonious sequence of movements of the vehicle body is adjustable, which is perceived by the driver or the vehicle occupants as pleasant and comfortable. In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the invention provides that a comfort claim in the control algorithms, in particular by the use of at least one state-dependent filter and / or at least one state-dependent vertical dynamics module for the Einzelradbewegung and / or the overall movement of the structure (stroke, rolling and Pitching) and / or at least one state-dependent end position module, in particular taking into account the energy states of body, damper, wheel and / or road is realized. This advantageously makes possible a very sensitive regulation of the movement of the structure that takes into account the desired comfort requirement and takes into account the given or expected states.

It is further provided in a preferred embodiment of the invention that a sportiness and / or driving safety in the control algorithms in particular by the use of state-dependent filters and state-dependent longitudinal and transverse dynamics modules for quasi-stationary and dynamic processes, in particular taking into account the energy states of structure, damper, Wheel and / or road, is realized. This also makes the requirements of the driver in terms of a sporty damper tuning very advantageous, with safety-critical driving conditions are taken into account. A driver can thus comply with his desired sporty driving style, without causing additional safety-critical situations.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the state-dependent control algorithms are performed individually or in combination with the states and requirements. As a result, it is advantageous to tune the damping of the movement of the vehicle body by all conceivable influences, including interference, possible.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the state-dependent control algorithms take into account higher-level messages, wherein as higher-level messages preferably diagnostic signals and / or substitute value signals and / or emergency signals are taken into account. As a result, fault conditions are taken into account in the determination of the control signals for controlling the actuators and the determination of the control signals in the damper controller by the state-dependent control algorithms adjusted so far that the minimum required control targets are achieved despite any error conditions. In particular, despite the occurrence of an error up to a correction of the error, the damper control can be maintained to the extent necessary in accordance with the requirements or the given and expected states via the provision of substitute variables or emergency functions be that the vehicle can continue to be driven without restriction or with possibly limited comfort. Loss of comfort for the driver or the vehicle occupants are thus largely avoided despite errors.

In addition, it is provided in a preferred embodiment of the invention that the diagnostic signals, substitute value signals and / or emergency signals are queried and / or generated automatically by the state-dependent control algorithms, preferably identification signals and / or status signals of the control algorithms performing functional software and / or a subordinate or parallel assigned basic software. The diagnosis preferably comprises the sensors and / or the actuators and / or the control means of the actuators, that is, the components involved in influencing the movement of the vehicle body. This ensures that in the case of an actual fault entry, the influencing movement of the vehicle body can be moved as close as possible to the desired movement, until the elimination of the fault takes place or becomes possible.

The object is further inventive by a system for influencing the movement of a controllable in his movements vehicle structure of a motor vehicle with sensors that detect the movement of the vehicle body, with controllable or controllable actuators, in particular semi-active or active dampers, between the vehicle body and the vehicle wheels are arranged, with a damper controller, by means of which the sensor signals are processed and at least one drive signal for the actuators is provided, wherein the damper controller and / or a control module comprises modules by means of which the sensor signals μnter consideration of current and / or expected states, depending on selectable requirements for the movement of the vehicle body and driving safety requirements, at least one control signal for the actuators can be generated.

It is preferably provided that the damper controller comprises an input interface, a signal input module, a regulator module, a signal output module and an output interface. As a result, it is possible in a simple manner to implement an ascertaining of the control signals for the actuators, which may be hierarchically structured one on top of the other. Preferably, the signal output module comprises a current calculation module, whereby it is possible to provide a current signal directly activating the actuating means of the actuators by the damper controller. An assignment of individual submodules is variably possible within the modular structure of the damper controller according to functional and / or hierarchical aspects. Still further inventive, the signal input module comprises a filter module, a man-machine interface module (man-machine interface module), a charge detection module, and a fault management module.

It is also inventive that the control module comprises a road recognition module, an end-of-range damping module, a lateral dynamics module, a longitudinal dynamics module and a vertical dynamics module.

For the purposes of the invention, the fault management module comprises a diagnostic module, a replacement value concept module and a rule emergency status module.

It is inventive that the signal output module comprises a current calculation module. It is inventive that a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is equipped with a system for influencing the movement of a vehicle body which can be controlled or regulated in its movement sequences, according to at least one of the features mentioned above.

Further preferred embodiments will be apparent from the remaining features mentioned in the subclaims.

The invention will be explained below in embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Figure 1 schematically a motor vehicle with a damper control;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle with vertical corner

Construction speeds;

3 shows a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle with vertical modal

Construction speeds;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a motor vehicle with arranged in the damper system

Sensors and the resulting wheel, build up and damper speeds;

Figure 5 is an example map of a controlled damper; FIG. 6 shows a coarse structure of the functional modules of a damper control;

FIGS. 7 to 14 are block diagrams of individual control modules;

Figure 15 is a block diagram of a standard control loop;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an extended control loop;

FIG. 17 shows a schematic diagram of a combination unit for determining a resulting current using states / state variables;

FIG. 18 shows a schematic diagram of a division of a combination unit into module elements and a total element;

Figure 19 is a signal flow diagram of an overall system of damper control;

Figure 20 is a block diagram of a fault tolerant control system;

FIG. 21 shows a signal flow diagram of the damper control with fault management and

Figure 22 is a schematic block diagram of a controller module including error and status information.

Figure 1 shows schematically in plan view a total of 10 designated motor vehicle. Structure and function of motor vehicles are well known, so that will not be discussed in the context of the present description.

The motor vehicle 10 has four wheels 12, 14, 16 and 18. The wheels 12, 14, 16 and 18 are attached via a known suspension to a body 20 of the motor vehicle 10. Under construction 20 is understood in the context of the invention generally the vehicle body with the passenger compartment. Between the wheels 12, 14, 16 and 18 on the one hand and the structure 20, a damper 22, 24, 26 and 28 are respectively arranged. The dampers 22, 24, 26 and 28 are arranged parallel to springs, not shown. The dampers 22, 24, 26 and 28 are formed, for example, as a semi-active damper, that is, by applying a control signal to an actuating means of the damper, the damper force can be varied. The adjusting agent is more usual Way designed as an electromagnetic valve, so that the control signal is a control current for the valve.

Each wheel or damper is associated with a displacement sensor 30, 32, 34 and 36, respectively. The displacement sensors are designed as relative displacement sensors, that is to say they measure a change in the distance of the body 20 from the respective wheel 12, 14, 16 or 18. Typically, so-called rotational angle displacement sensors are used whose construction and function are generally known.

The structure 20 further comprises three vertical acceleration sensors 38, 40 and 42 arranged at defined points. These acceleration sensors 38, 40 and 42 are fixedly arranged on the structure 20 and measure the vertical acceleration of the structure in the region of the wheels 12, 14 and 18, respectively Area of the left rear wheel 16, the acceleration of the three other acceleration sensors can be determined by calculation, so that can be dispensed with the arrangement of a separate acceleration sensor here.

The arrangement of the sensors is merely exemplary here. Other sensor arrangements, for example a vertical body acceleration sensor and two rotation angle sensors or the like, may also be used.

The motor vehicle 10 further comprises a control unit 44 which is connected via signal or control lines to the adjusting means of the dampers 22, 24, 26 and 28, the displacement sensors 30, 32, 34 and 36 and the acceleration sensors 38, 40 and 42. The control unit 44 assumes the damper control, which will be explained in more detail below. In addition, the controller 44 can of course also take over other, not to be considered here functions within the motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 further comprises a switching means 46, for example a button, a rotary wheel or the like, by means of which a request for the movement of the body 20 can be selected by a vehicle driver. Here, for example, it is possible to choose between the requirement "comfort", the requirement "sport" and the requirement "base." The choice is possible either in steps between the three modes or steplessly with corresponding intermediate modes.

The switching means 46 is also connected to the control unit 44.

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the motor vehicle 10, in which case the structure 20 is indicated as a flat surface. At the corners of the body 20 are respectively the wheels 12, 14, 16 and 18th arranged in a conventional manner via a spring-damper combination. The spring-damper combination consists of the dampers 22, 24, 26 and 28 and respectively connected in parallel springs 48, 50, 52 and 54. At the corners of the structure 20, the acceleration sensors 38, 40 and 42 shown in Figure 1 are arranged, by means of which the vertical speed at the corners of the body 20 can be determined. These are the speeds vA_vl (front-left speed), vA_vr (front-right speed), vA_hl (rear-left speed), and vA_hr (rear-right speed). The speed can be calculated from the accelerations measured by means of the acceleration sensors by integration.

Figure 3 again shows the schematic diagram of the motor vehicle 10, wherein the same parts as in the preceding figures provided with the same reference numerals and are not explained again. In a center of gravity 56, the modal movements of the structure 20 are illustrated. This is on the one hand a stroke 58 in the vertical direction (z-direction), a pitch 61, that is a rotational movement about a transverse axis lying in the y-axis, and a roll 63, that is, a rotational movement about a lying in the x-axis Longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle 10.

Figure 4 shows a further schematic diagram of the motor vehicle 10, wherein here, in addition to the representation in Figure 2, further signals are shown. In addition, the damper speeds vD are shown here, where vD_vl is the damper speed for the damper 22 (front left), vD_vr the damper speed for the damper 24 (front right), vD_hl the damper speed for the damper 26 (rear left) and vD_hr the damper speed for the Damper 28 (rear right) is. The damper speeds can be determined by differentiation from the signals of the displacement sensors 30, 32, 34 and 36 (FIG. 1). In Figure 4, the wheel speeds vR are also indicated. Here speed vR_vl stands for the wheel 12 (front left), vR_vr for the wheel 14 (front right), vR_hl for the wheel 16 (rear left) and vR_hr for the wheel 18 (rear right). The wheel speeds vR can be determined, for example, via wheel acceleration sensors.

Since both the body speeds vA, the damper speeds vD and the wheel speeds vR all have the same directional vector (in the z direction), the relationship vD = vA-vR. As a result, not all measured variables must be present in the form of measuring signals, but can be calculated from the other measured variables.

FIG. 5 shows by way of example a force-velocity characteristic diagram of a regulated damper. Structure and function of regulated dampers are well known, so in the The present description will not be discussed in detail. Here either semi-active dampers or active dampers are used. It is crucial that the damper force can be adjusted by influencing the damper speed. The damper force acts in parallel to the forces of the springs (see FIGS. 2 to 4), so that the movement of the structure 20 in its movement sequences can be influenced. To influence the damper speed, an electromagnetic valve or another suitable valve is arranged on the dampers, which, by applying a corresponding control current, influences a flow cross-section for a medium, in particular a hydraulic oil. The exemplary map shown in Figure 5 shows various characteristics, wherein the damper force is plotted in Newtons on the damper speed vD in mm / s for various actuating currents. The dampers have a large spread, that is, depending on the applied control current large variations between the damper speeds and the damper force are adjustable. For clarity, a characteristic 57 is entered, which would correspond to a passive damper. Due to this large spreading of the damper, an effective regulation becomes possible only with a soft identification below the passive characteristic curve 57 and a hard identification should be clearly above the characteristic curve 57. Also evident is the already large spread at low damper speeds vD and the substantially linear course of the flow lines in the map.

On the basis of the previous explanations it is clear that it depends on the provision of a control current for the control means of the damper for an effective control of the movement sequence of the structure. Below, the provision of this control current taking into account the implementation of the solutions according to the invention will be discussed in more detail.

FIG. 6 shows in a block diagram a coarse structure of the functional modules for damper control according to the invention. The individual modules are shown encapsulated for reasons of clarity and clarity. The entire structure is advantageously constructed hierarchically over several levels. The functional modules are integrated in a damper controller, preferably the control unit 44 (FIG. 1). The damper control comprises a signal input module 60, an auxiliary function module 62, a regulator module 64, an evaluation module 66 and a signal output module 68. In the signal input module 60, the sensor signals of the displacement sensors 30, 32, 34 and 36 and the acceleration sensors 38, 40 and 42 and other, Signals available via the CAN bus of the motor vehicle are read in. The auxiliary function module 62 includes a man-machine interface module 70, a filter module 72, and a load detection module 74. The controller module 64 includes a road detection module 76, an end position damping module 78, a lateral dynamics module 80, a longitudinal dynamics module 82, and a vertical dynamics module 84. The evaluation logic module 66 includes a current calculation module 86. The regulator modules 76, 78, 80, 82, and 84 advantageously generate a current Size that is proportional to the current. In the current calculation module 86, the current calculation of all controller output variables to control variables for the dampers 22, 24, 26 and 28 takes place. Via the signal output module 68, these control currents are provided to the dampers available. Of course, both the signal input module 60 and the signal output module 68 can optionally also receive or output further signals, depending on the equipment of the relevant motor vehicle.

FIG. 7 shows a principle block diagram of the man-machine interface module 70. Via the switching means 46, the driver can select a mode. This is, for example, the "Comfort" mode, the "Sport" mode or the "Normal" mode The module 70 calculates a mode di_mmi for mode switching with the aim of sensitizing the driver and passengers to the changed comfort behavior when changing the driving mode a trigger vector triggerjnmi the status of all three possible driving modes again.This trigger vector can then be used as a switching signal in the other modules.Me also outputs a signal mdl_mmi_out the currently selected driving mode.

FIG. 8 shows a principle block diagram of the filter module 72. On the one hand, the filter module 72 receives the measured values aA supplied by the body acceleration sensors 38, 40 and 42 (FIG. 1) and the signals zD supplied by the relative displacement sensors 30, 32, 34 and 36. From these input variables, the build-up speeds v A at the corners of the structure 20 are calculated by the filter module 72. Further, the damper velocities v D at the corners of the body 20 are determined. In addition, the modal assembly rates vModal are calculated for nodding and rolling. The body speeds vA at the corners of the superstructure 20 serve primarily as input variables for the independent wheel control in the vertical control module 84. The modal body speeds v Modod are required for additional damping of pitch and roll movements of the body 20 in the modal control in the vertical control module 84.

FIG. 9 shows a principle block diagram of the load detection module 74. From the signals zD applied to the input and supplied by the relative position sensors 30, 32, 34, 36, the design masses MA are formed on the front axle VA and the rear axle HA. In addition, gain factors V for tuning the mass distribution are determined. FIG. 10 shows a principle block diagram of the road recognition module 76. By means of this module 76, a calculation of the roadway quality as an energetic state is carried out. At the input of the module 76, the relative velocities structure / wheel vD supplied by the filter module 72 and the body speeds vA and the axle load distribution mA delivered by the module 74 are present. In addition, the signal Triggerjnmi is applied by the module 70 as the status of the driving modes. The module 76 provides signals to take into account the current road condition (even / uneven) within the damper control. For this purpose, 76 energy-related road state variables eR (energy wheel) are determined in the module and displayed with corresponding gain factors for subsequent modules. In addition, minimum and maximum current limits are generated so that skipping due to over-damping or under-damping can be successfully prevented.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic block diagram of the Eηdlagendämpfungsmoduls 78. On module 78 as input signals are the relative velocities vD of the body / wheel of the module 72 and the signals zD of Relativwegsensoren 30, 32, 34 and 36 at. Further, the vehicle speed vF and a switching signal aq (on / off) are processed from the lateral dynamics module 80 (FIG. 13). From these signals, damper currents are calculated for each of the dampers 22, 24, 26 and 28 el_i_min, respectively. By means of these damper currents, an electronic, wheel-selective end position damping is realized.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic block diagram of the vertical dynamics module 84. The input signals to the module 84 are the energetic road condition signal eR, eA delivered by the module 76 and the corresponding amplification factors v-str. and the minimum and maximum current signals i_min, i_max of the module 76. Further, the vehicle speed vF, the body speed vA from the module 72, the roll and pitch velocities vModal from the module 72, and the gains V of the body weights from the module 74 are present. Furthermore, the status of the driving modes is provided by means of the signal triggerjnmi. The module 84 includes a mode-dependent control of the vertical dynamic comfort behavior and thus. a core function of damper control. The aim of this vertical control module 84 is to use the "independent wheel control" function to first separately control each of the corners of the body 20 so as to largely decouple the body 20 from the roadside excitation Nodding, rolling and stroke (Figure 3) directly influenced. The module 84 provides a control current i_vd for vertical attenuation. 13 shows a schematic block diagram of the lateral dynamics module 80. The vehicle speed vF, a steering wheel angle signal wL, a lateral acceleration signal and a road detection signal from the module 76 are present as input signals. In addition, the status signal of the driving modes triggerjnmi is provided. Currents imin_qd for the dampers 22, 24, 26 and 28 for influencing the vehicle lateral dynamics are respectively calculated by the module 80. As a result, for example, the rolling motion of the body 20 due to lateral acceleration, for example when cornering, lane change or the like, reduced. Furthermore, the own steering behavior of the motor vehicle 10 can be influenced by targeted Wankmomentverteilungen on the front axle and the rear axle. Furthermore, the road condition is taken into account by incorporating the kinetic wheel-building energies. The transverse control module 80 further provides a switching signal aq_SW (on / off), with the aid of which other modules, in particular comfort-oriented, modules can be activated or deactivated. In this way it can be achieved that in a lateral-dynamic control for controlling safety-relevant situations, the comfort controls can be deactivated for the moment.

FIG. 14 shows a principle block diagram of the longitudinal dynamics module 82. The module 82 receives as inputs the road recognition signal eR from the module 76, a driver desired torque Mw, the vehicle speed vF, a brake pressure P and signals from the ABS intervention and ESP intervention. In addition, the signal triggerjnmi is provided for the current status of the driving modes. The longitudinal dynamics module 82 calculates damper currents i.min_Lv and i.max_LV for the dampers 22, 24, 26 and 28 to reduce pitching events during braking and acceleration operations. At the same time, safety-relevant interventions in the driving dynamics are taken into account by the ESP system or the ABS system.

The explained with reference to Figures 6 to 14 assignment of the individual modules 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86 to the main modules 62, 64, 66 is merely exemplary. Other suitable assignments within the damper regulator are possible.

FIG. 15 shows a standard control loop. This consists of a distance 90, a controller 92 and a negative feedback of the controlled variable, that is, the actual value on the controller 92. The control difference is calculated from the difference between the setpoint (command) and controlled variable. The manipulated variable acts on the distance 90 and thus on the controlled variable. The disturbance causes a, usually undesirable, change in the controlled variable, which must be compensated. The input of the controller 92 is the difference between the measured actual value of the controlled variable and the setpoint. The setpoint is also used as a reference variable whose value is to be simulated by the measured actual value. Since the actual value can be changed by disturbance variables, the actual value must be tracked to the setpoint. A detected in a comparator 94 deviation of the actual value of the setpoint, the so-called control difference, serves as an input to the controller 92. The controller 92 determines how the control system responds to the detected deviations, such as fast, sluggish, proportional, integrating or like. The output variable of the regulator 92 is a manipulated variable which influences a controlled system 90. The regulation is mainly used to eliminate disturbances in order to correct them.

FIG. 16 shows a more detailed illustration of the control loop according to FIG. An extended control loop with the additional elements actuator 96 and measuring element 98 is shown. In the example of the damper control according to the invention, the adjusting device or the actuator 96 is composed of an electronic component and an electro-hydraulic component. The electronic component corresponds to the current regulator in the control unit 44, while the electro-hydraulic component corresponds to the electrically controllable valve of the dampers 22, 24, 26 and 28 respectively. In the following, however, these should not be considered further. These are considered ideal or their influence is neglected. Thus, ideally, the controller output that supplies the control variable agrees with the manipulated variable or is at least proportional to it. The controller 92 according to FIG. 15 is hereby divided into the actual controller 92 and the actuator 96. The controller 92 serves to determine a quantity with which a response to a control difference determined by the comparator 94 is to be reacted via the actuator 96. The actuator 96 provides the necessary energy in the appropriate physical form to affect the process or the controlled system. In the measuring element 98, the actual value is measured. The disturbance variable may be due to a regulation of the movement of a vehicle body 20 in unevennesses of the road surface, laterally acting forces, such as wind or the like, or similar influences.

Taking into account the generally known mode of operation with reference to the control structures explained in FIGS. 15 and 16, FIG. 17 shows a possibility of calculating the current in the current calculation module 86. In a combination unit 100 for determining a resulting current i_res, this becomes the different input currents provided by individual controllers 102 i1, i2, i3 using states / state variables. In this case, the input currents i can be the currents supplied by the control modules 76, 78, 80, 82 and 84, respectively. The resulting current i_res is then the control current for the dampers. In the current calculation module 86, these nominal currents are generated for the basic software. These are transferred to the interface (signal output module 68). The basic software characterizes these set currents via the current controller, for example a two-position controller, PID controller with PWM control, the dampers. It is regulated according to the specified setpoint current.

According to the variant shown in FIG. 18, the current calculation module 86 can also contain a division into module elements and overall element. In this case, for example, module elements 104 and 106 are provided, each comprising a regulator module and a combination unit. Regarding state variables, controller output currents i ^* _1 or i ^* _2 are already provided by these modules. Combination unit 108 evaluates the controller outputs from modules 104 and 106, such as road recognition module 76, end of line damping module 78, lateral dynamics module 80, longitudinal dynamics module 82, and vertical dynamics module 84 to output the desired damper set currents i_res most appropriate for the current driving condition ,

FIG. 19 shows an overall overview of a signal flow diagram of the entire damper control. The signal input module 60 includes incoming sensor variables of the displacement sensors or the acceleration sensors, CAN signals, error bits and other variables. The sensor variables used are, for example, the signals supplied by the relative displacement sensors 30, 32, 34 and 36 (duty cycle) and the body acceleration variables of the vertically measuring acceleration sensors 38, 40 and 42. These variables include the corresponding error bits err_pwm_dc_vl / vr / hl / hr and err_adc_aA_vl / vr / hl, which indicate whether the signals are OK (value 0) or faulty (value 1). Examples of CAN variables that can be used are the brake light switch can_bls, the ABS state can_ABS, the ESP state can_ESP, the EDS state can_EDS, the EBV state can_EBV, the vehicle speed can_vF, the lateral acceleration can_aq, the yaw angular velocity can_dwg, the steering wheel angle can_wlges (which is composed for example of driver steering angle, wheel angle or composite steering angle in electric steering), the brake pressure can_p, the driver request torque can_Mfw, the longitudinal acceleration from the ACC can_al_acc and the longitudinal acceleration can_al_epb. The error bits err_can_xx are also required for these signals. Further use is the current position of the switching means 46 mmi_in. It is also useful to read in the currents adc_i_vl / vr / hl / hr measured back from the dampers 22, 24, 26 and 28, as well as the damper error values err_D_vl / vr / hl / hr and the terminal 30 voltage from the control unit 44. Furthermore, a signal dgn_i_bypass is transmitted, which includes whether the control unit software (basic software) just bypasst the control system (function software), that is ignored or overwrites the power requirement of the functional software. Another signal dgn_i_lim contains information as to whether the control unit software reduces the setting range of the current. For the correct calculation of the relative displacement values, the default value bdi_pwm_dc_vl / vr / hl / hr or bdi_z_anp_vl / vr / hl / hr must also be specified. This is taught accordingly in the control unit commissioning by a learning bdijnodus. Optionally, it is also possible to integrate operating system load information as signals osk_ausl_xx.

The signal output module 68 consists of the setpoint current mdl_i determined in the control system, the mode output mdl_mmi_out and values from the functional diagnosis mdl_err_xx. Furthermore, a range of values is specified within which the sensors can be taught. These are the signals mdl_pwm_max / min_vl / vr / hl / hr and mdl_z_anp_min / max_vl / vr / hl / hr. Further useful variables are the functional state of the control system mdl_fkt and IDs that describe the code, the data set and the interfaces mdl_xx / id, as well as an indication of whether the data set matches the code mdl_param_io and the control system can thus work meaningfully.

The signal input module 60 thus assumes a standardization, conversion and calculation of all - present at the interface - signal inputs to a physical standard format in si units.

The signal output module 68 implements a standardization, conversion and calculation of all signal outputs to the format defined in the interface to the basic software.

The filter module 72 is used to determine the vertical body cornering speeds, vertical modal velocities (for roll and pitch) and damper velocities from the body acceleration sensors and the relative path between body and wheel. Sizes are filtered accordingly.

The man-machine interface module 70 assigns the controller modes Comfort, Normal, Sport to the corresponding mmi tactile representation of the switching means 46 from the base software. Furthermore, the basic software is informed which mode is active in the controller. The purpose of the road detection module 76 is the detection of the road condition. For this purpose, the corresponding energy components for wheel and body are determined. Both parts are finally summed up to a common wheel assembly energy, which then finds its way into all modules that take the road influence into account.

The load detection module 74 determines from the Relativweginformationen the rear axle by corresponding long-wave filtering the quasi-static Relativwegposition. This can be processed in subsequent modules to a load-dependent change of the power request. The purpose of the vertical dynamics module 84 with the components individual wheel (ve) and modal (vm) is the harmonization and minimization of the body vibrations taking into account conditions such as driving speed and road condition and the like. The single-wheel controller is used to bring about a leveling of the body through the damping of the individual corners of the vehicle. It is advantageous that both the sensors and the actuators (dampers) are arranged on the vehicle corners, so that at these positions a locally and temporally correct / loss-free intervention is possible. The most important variable is the body speed. A minimization of the body movement at the individual corners is not sufficient, as a driver still feels the coupling of the movement, which leads, for example, to pitching or rolling operations. This reassurance of the structure 20 can only be done by a corresponding damping of the modal movements. The operation of the vertical control can vary over the parameterization, so that, for example, in the comfort mode, the structure 20 is largely decoupled from the roadway, while in sports mode a more direct road contact is mediated.

The lateral dynamics module 80 enables optimal damping adjustment in driving situations with increased dynamic and / or safety requirements. The aim is to minimize a body movement due to steering movements. At the same time, it must be ensured that no increased wheel load fluctuations occur, which would lead to a correspondingly lower tire grip. With regard to the lateral dynamics, a distinction is made between quasi-stationary and dynamic movements. The former can only be partially supported by the damper, as it can not apply stationary force. If an ESP intervention takes place, there is already a driving safety relevant situation, in which it depends only on the best possible wheel damping. This can be set variably depending on the road conditions, so that skipping is avoided due to under- and / or over-damping.

In the longitudinal dynamics module 82 takes into account the damping requirements for startup and braking operations. There are build-up pitch movements during braking and reduced acceleration processes. Here as well - as with lateral dynamics - a combination of requirements in terms of comfort (with low body movements) and safety (with low wheel load fluctuations) is taken into account. In the case of ABS interventions, as with the ESP intervention, road-adapted optimum wheel damping is applied.

The goal of the Endlagendämpfungsmoduls 78 is to avoid impact noises by mechanical stops in the damper zug- or pressure side. This is achieved by reducing the damper speed in the end-of-travel areas accordingly.

In the current calculation module 86, the requirements from the preceding control and control modules are combined via corresponding state evaluations. In principle, when driving the dampers 22, 24, 26 and 28, driving safety is set above the driving comfort. In driving dynamics relevant driving maneuvers or system limitations, such as errors, for example by means of the control algorithms always a safe damper state is set.

It becomes clear that the comfort requirement is realized in particular by means of the filter module 72, the vertical dynamics module 84 and the end position module 78. The sportiness and / or driving safety requirements are realized in particular by the filter module 72 and the longitudinal dynamics module 82 as well as the transverse dynamics module 80 state-dependent for quasi-steady state ^ and for dynamic processes.

The current calculation module 86 is responsible for the decoupling of the different control claims and the choice of the optimal control variable.

For the individual modules of the damper control, there are different requirements with respect to the sampling times. With sufficient computing capacity, all modules could be calculated in the fastest grid, for example 1ms-raster. However, this is also not feasible with the control units 44 of the latest generation. It makes sense, therefore, the control-side execution of the modules for reasons of computing time with different sampling times, for example, 1 ms, 5 ms, 10 ms or 100 ms.

FIG. 20 shows a control circuit which is expanded by one monitoring level. As a result, a fault-tolerant control system can be realized. Here, the standard control loop shown in FIG. 15 is supplemented by a fault diagnosis module 110. This fault diagnosis module 110 observes the inputs and outputs of the distance 90 and thus monitors the control loop and determines the error state of the controlled system. The estimate of the detected error is forwarded to a controller adaptation module 112. Via the module 112, the controller 92 is used in accordance with the determined error state, so that minimally required control objectives can be achieved.

By means of the fault diagnosis modules 110 or controller adaptation modules 112, the provision of the damping via replacement sizes and emergency functions can thus be maintained in the phase from the occurrence of a fault to a possible workshop stay in the damper control so far that can be continued with limited comfort. In case of a recognized error of an input signal, the algorithm replaces the missing information with a substitute value, which can usually be calculated from a processing of other signals. This replacement value should best characterize the respective signal characteristic and is advantageously dynamically dynamic to provide satisfactory results. In case of failure of one or more sensors or actuators individual emergency operations are taken depending on the error. The control methods are now continued with the substitute value, whereby a minimum functionality of the control is guaranteed even when an error occurs.

The error handling follows the following scheme. Error occurs, error is detected, error is reported, further consequences of the error are prevented, errors are dealt with (for example, fault tolerance), error is corrected (repair), continue working. It is desirable to recognize and treat the errors before they show any visible consequences, but always a trade-off between cost and benefit, that is between cost, performance, transparency, fault tolerance level, and the like.

In technical terms, fault tolerance is the characteristic of a technical system to maintain its function even when unforeseen inputs or errors occur, for example in the hardware or software. Fault tolerance increases the reliability of the system.

Fault tolerance is often used in non-safety-related systems to increase the availability of the system or to guarantee the safety of security systems. A distinction is made between failsafe (fail safe) and a gentle downgrade (fail graceful). In the event of fault safety, the system moves to a safe, stable operating state when faults or failures are detected and holds there until the cause has been eliminated or repaired. at Semi-active dampers, for example, often opens a bypass valve without energization, which switches a fail-safe curve, which is not critical in terms of driving safety aspects. On a downgrade, the system continues to operate upon detection of an anomaly, but no longer provides the full extent of its functions or speed until the error is resolved.

The consideration of error messages can be done by incorporating a diagnostic level in the, explained with reference to the preceding figures, control algorithms. This can be embedded horizontally along the data flow paths, but also vertically in the module hierarchy.

In the input interface 60, the input signals are to be supplemented in each case by an error signal or an error state signal. This is particularly necessary for the sizes that have direct influence on the control such as the sensor sizes, including the CAN sizes.

In addition, both the input interface 60 and the output interface 68 can be supplemented by general information. These include, for example, the information regarding the status of the respective component, such as basic software and controllers. Furthermore, identification information should be exchanged as to whether the components match each other, so that only mutually associated states are coupled together. In the event of a deviation, the control unit 44 goes into emergency operation.

In addition, static substitute values can be transferred to the interfaces, since errors and substitute values are usually linked together in an error handler. Here it is possible to transfer the substitute values instead of the actual signal values or to make them available in a separate signal input. A separate signal input is advantageous for the following reasons. On the one hand, in the so-called pending phase, in which it is not yet known whether an error actually exists, it is decided which value will be used in a subsequent regulation. On the other hand, the actual signal values are available for a functional diagnosis or for checking errors. Especially the aspect of the reparation test has a high priority, because it increases the system availability. Furthermore, it may be advantageous in initialization cycles if, for example, initial values are transmitted as a signal and not substitute values. The output interface 68 is also supplemented by corresponding error signals. These must at least provide information on the extent to which the requested control variable is faulty or in which state the controller is located. These states may be "okay", "okay with restriction", "emergency", "fail safe" or the like. Furthermore, the output signals are provided with an error status. Again, if necessary, a replacement value can be determined.

The error status can have a variety of conditions, such as "okay", "not in order", "error pending" (detected error, but not yet qualified), "not installed" and so on.

Furthermore, an error module 114 is provided in the signal input module 62, which evaluates the error statuses of the input signals. For example, error indices can also be determined here. Accordingly, an error module 116 can also be supplemented in the signal output module 66 to provide the output signals to the interface 68.

In addition, a formation of replacement values is provided. This can be done in a separate module 118, which may for example also be arranged in the signal input, but which may also be integrated into the error module 114. Here, among other things, it must be decided whether and in what form to switch back to replacement values.

In addition, an emergency running module 120 may be provided which carries out general evaluations for the emergency running strategy and forwards them accordingly to the subsequent modules. Here an integration into the signal input module 62 and / or into the signal output module 66 can take place. In the signal input module 62, for example, a calculation of the controller status or emergency information for the individual controllers can take place. In the signal output module, for example, the implementation of current limits or current bands can be realized.

In addition to these error modules, the integration of a functional diagnosis is also advantageous. This is preferably also arranged in the signal input module 62. Your error forwarding can then be pronounced directly as with the input signal errors. It is also possible to integrate this diagnostic module 122 into an error handler. However, since the functional diagnosis is often model-based or knowledge-based, it is advisable to integrate it into the controller structure. If necessary, the individual modules 76, 78, 80, 82, 84 of the controller module 64 can also be provided with additional input variables, such as, for example, error statuses of individual signals, error index or error indices, or controller or emergency status or emergency status. Substitute value signals can either be fed in instead of the actual signal value or as a separate signal input. Especially during the pending phase of an error, the provision of both the actual signal value and a corresponding substitute value can be advantageous.

The just explained possibilities of assigning the individual modules or processing steps are merely exemplary. Of course, other assignments fulfilling the respective functions are also possible.

The error or diagnostic or substitute value modules can be integrated into the existing controller structure, as illustrated in FIG. 6 or FIG. 19.

In FIGS. 21, 22 and 23, the corresponding adapted controller structures are shown for this purpose.

FIG. 21 shows a supplement corresponding to FIG. 6, with the error status signal and the substitute value signal of a signal in each case being fed in here at the input interface 60. At the output interface 68, an error status signal and substitute value signal are output corresponding to each signal. In addition, both at the input interface 60 identification signals and system status signals are read and output at the output interface 68 corresponding identification signals and system status signals. The corresponding illustrated modules are integrated in the signal input module 62 and the controller module 64 or output module 66.

FIG. 22 shows a single module, for example the road recognition module 76, the end position module 78, the lateral dynamics module 80, the longitudinal dynamics module 82 or the vertical dynamic module 84. The error status signals or controller status signals corresponding to the signal values are then available at each of the modules via additional inputs posed.

For fault management, it therefore applies that this comprises diagnostic modules, replacement value modules and / or emergency modules. The error management increases the control quality and Improved the availability of the damper controller. The interface between the basic software and the functional software (damper controller) has been expanded to include identification signals so that testing for concrete interaction is possible. For example, it can be ensured that a certain basic software version may only communicate with the existing damper controller version. The interface between the basic software and the functional software contains both the actual signal and a second parallel signal about the status and / or the substitute value of the signal value. This may include, for example, the messages "Correct", "Incorrect", "Initial", "Substitute value" or the like. It can be provided a separate error module that evaluates the individual error conditions and summarized to a total error status. A substitute value module can be provided which, depending on the error state, calculates substitute values for the signal inputs of the controller modules so that they can also work meaningfully in the event of an error. From this, a controller status / emergency running module can be provided that notifies the controller modules as to what the controller status is and that possibly causes other control strategies. In addition, a functional diagnosis is provided which determines an error status based on the evaluation of the function of the participating sensors and / or actuators. The regulator modules themselves contain, besides the actual inputs for the signals, further inputs which provide substitute values, regulator status and the like as additional information.

The invention thus relates to a method or system for controlling the movement of a vehicle with electronically controllable shock absorbers, wherein in the control system the parallel possible requirements for "comfort performance" and "high sportiness" and driver safety all considered and largely decoupled by the use of state-dependent control modules , in particular for driving conditions (vertical, longitudinal and lateral dynamics), load conditions, energy states (body, damper, wheel, road) and driver activities (throttle, brake, steering, shift stage, damper mode selection).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

motor vehicle

wheel

construction

damper

displacement sensor

accelerometers

control unit

switching means

feather

main emphasis

curve

stroke

Signal input module

nod

Auxiliary function module

waver

Control module

Signal output module

Man-machine interface module 72 filter module

74 Load detection module

76 Road Detection Module

78 End position damping module

80 lateral dynamics module

82 longitudinal dynamics module

84 vertical dynamics module

86 current calculation module

90 route

92 controllers

94 comparators

96 actuator

98 measuring element

100 combination unit

102 individual controllers

104 module elements

106 module elements

108 combination unit

110 fault diagnosis module

112 regulator adjustment module

114 error module

116 error module

118 module

120 emergency module

122 diagnostic module

Claims

claims

1. A method for generating signals for influencing the movement of a controllable in his movements vehicle structure of a motor vehicle, wherein sensorically the movement of the vehicle body is determined, the sensors corresponding to the detected sensor signals are supplied to a damper controller and the damper controller at least one control signal for controlling Actuators, in particular semi-active or active dampers, provides, by means of which the movement of the vehicle body can be influenced, characterized in that from the sensor signals taking into account current and / or expected states depending on selectable requirements for the movement of the vehicle body and driving - Safety requirements by means of state-dependent control algorithms, the at least one control signal for controlling the actuators is determined.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that as the at least one control signal, a directly influencing the actuators control current is provided.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that can be selected as selectable requirements for the movement of the vehicle body at least between comfort and sportiness.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the choice can be made continuously or in stages between high comfort and high sportiness.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when determining the at least one control signal driving conditions and / or loading conditions and / or energy conditions and / or driver activities are taken into account.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that as driving conditions, the vertical dynamics and / or the longitudinal dynamics and or the lateral dynamics of the vehicle is taken into account.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the energy states of the structure and / or the wheel and / or the road and / or the actuator are taken into account as energy states.

8. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that as driver activity of the operating state of the accelerator pedal and / or the brake pedal and / or the steering and / or the transmission circuit is taken into account.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a comfort claim in the control algorithms in particular by the use of at least one state-dependent filter and / or at least one state-dependent vertical dynamics module for the Einzelradbewegung and / or the total movement of the body (Hub , Roll and pitch) and / or at least one state-dependent end position module, in particular taking into account the energy states of body, damper, wheel and / or road realized.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sportiness claim and / or driving safety claim in the control algorithms, in particular by the use of state-dependent filters and state-dependent longitudinal and transverse dynamics modules for quasi-stationary and dynamic processes, in particular taking into account the energy states of construction Damper, wheel and / or road, is realized.

1 1. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the responsibility-dependent control algorithms are performed by the states and requirements individually or in combination.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the code of the control algorithms is processed in different time grids in the damper controller, wherein at least one fast grid with a time frame between 0.5 ms and 5 ms, preferably a 1 ms grid and a 5 ms raster, and at least one slower raster with a time frame> 5 ms, preferably a 10 ms raster and a 100 ms raster, exist.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the responsibility-dependent control algorithms take into account higher-level messages.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that as higher-level messages diagnostic signals and / or substitute value signals and / or emergency signals are taken into account.

5. System for influencing the movement of a controllable in his movements vehicle structure of a motor vehicle, with sensors that detect the movement of the vehicle body, with controllable or controllable actuators, in particular semi-active or active dampers arranged between the vehicle body and the vehicle wheels are, with a damper controller, by means of which the sensor signals are processed and at least one drive signal for the actuators is provided, characterized in that the damper controller and / or a control module comprises, by means of which the sensor signals in consideration of current and / or expected states, depending on selectable requirements for the movement of the vehicle body and driving safety requirements, at least one control signal for the actuators can be generated.